Anxiety disorders consist of a group of conditions that are characterized by feelings of extreme anxiousness coupled with physical, mental, and behavioral responses. Of all the disorders classified under anxiety disorders, panic attack is among the most common along with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Signs of panic attacks are seen as an sudden onset of intense terror, fearfulness, or tension. If panic attacks have a tendency to recur with episodes lasting from five to thirty minutes and more, they are referred to as panic disorders.

Panic attacks may be genetic in origin. Having said that, most times the attack is due to a stressful event, life change, adverse thoughts, or substance abuse. A single attack is described as having four of the following signs of a panic attack: palpitations (rapid heartbeat which is experienced by the person), chest pain, sweating, tremors, difficulty or shortness of breathing, sense of suffocation, nausea and throwing up, stomach discomfort, dizziness, paresthesia (unusual sensation such as tingling), chills, or hot flashes. These signs are caused by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system inducing the release of adrenaline for an extended time frame. As opposed to the normal flight, fight, or freeze reaction, there is no abatement of signs because of maladaptive response of the person to stress. This results in exaggerated bodily responses which trigger all the life-threatening signs even warranting the person to get medical attention quickly.

Shortness of breath is among the first signs of a panic attack that will be experienced by an individual. As the sympathetic nervous system becomes triggered, the lungs take in additional oxygen to supply the high energy requirements of the cells. Due to the amplified reaction, the person breathes heavily or hyperventilates. Since hyperventilation causes the person to blow off high levels of carbon dioxide, this results in an alkalotic blood pH. This can be a life threatening condition which deserves timely medical attention.

One of the methods to avoid shortness of breath along with signs of a panic attack from leading to fatal cascade of events culminating in death, is to use the following techniques:

1) Visit a quiet place. This can help you focus in eliminating the panic attack and managing your bodily reaction. This will also reduce the number of stimuli wherein presence of several can intensify the attack.

2) Employ relaxation tactics. Deep breathing is the most important of the techniques to overcome shortness of breath. This entails for you to take a deep breath with your nose while positioning both hands on your stomach. Hold your breath for two to three counts and exhale through your mouth. Other relaxation techniques include progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and others. These should be carried out regularly to ensure that you are able to utilize the correct technique when under stress.

3) Speak to yourself. Rather than thinking that you are going to die because of being breathless, tell yourself that you can overcome the anxiety. You can also come up with your very own message of reassurance in written form to use when signs of a panic attack begin.